A costume exhibition featuring the work of designer Nerea Torrijos and the preview screening of “Bajo tus pies” by Cristian Bernard are among the activities in the festival’s new section.

Director, screenwriter and actor Bruno Martín will receive the FANTROBIA Award, which recognizes emerging figures in genre cinema.

The Bilbao Fantasy Film Festival is collaborating with the GIDOI association and the 3rd edition of its Short Film Screenplay Competition for Women Authors, focused on fantasy and horror genres.

The 32nd edition of FANT will take place from May 8 to 16.

The 32nd edition of the Bilbao Fantasy Film Festival (FANT), organized by Bilbao City Council, will be held from May 8 to 16. A few days before its official opening, the festival will launch a new section titled “OUT OF FRAME”, dedicated to all the elements that support the industry without being at the center of the spotlight. Starting on May 4, FANT will present a diverse program focused on fantasy genre cinema.

At the same time, the festival continues to reveal details about the honorees of the 2026 edition. Following the announcement that Aranzazu Calleja will receive the Honorary FANT Award and Eugenio Mira the Fantasy Star Award, FANT now confirms that Madrid-born director, screenwriter, editor and actor Bruno Martín will receive the FANTROBIA Award, which recognizes emerging talents in genre cinema.

“OUT OF FRAME”: EXHIBITIONS

This new cycle will open with the exhibition “Dressing Films / Vistiendo películas” by Bilbao-based costume designer Nerea Torrijos. Through a selection of original pieces, the public will discover how the designer uses fabrics, textures and colors to build cinematic worlds.

The exhibition will take place at the Abando Civic Center from May 4 to 29, from 16:30 to 20:30. Admission is free until full capacity is reached. The opening and a guided tour with Nerea Torrijos will be held on May 4 at 19:00. Torrijos’ work has been recognized with a Goya Award for costume design in Akelarre, as well as a FilmQuest Award for Errementari. She was also nominated for the Goya Awards for Irati (2023) and 20,000 Species of Bees (2024). Her designs also appear in Paul Urkijo’s Gaua.

Additionally, from May 8 to 30, the exhibition “Batman, Guardian of the Night” will be on display at the Begoña Civic Center library. Free admission until full capacity is reached.

“OUT OF FRAME”: PREVIEW OF “BAJO TUS PIES”

The preview screening of Bajo tus pies, directed by Argentine filmmaker Cristian Bernard, is also part of the “OUT OF FRAME” section. Starring Maribel Verdú and Sofía Otero, it will be screened at Golem Alhóndiga cinemas on May 4 at 20:15, open to the general public. Admission is free until full capacity is reached. Invitations must be collected at the cinema box office starting today at 16:30. Priority will be given to attendees wearing FANT merchandise (t-shirts, bags, program, etc.).

On the same day at 11:30, a press conference will be held in the Bastida Hall, featuring festival director Amaia Domingo and members of the film’s team. These pre-festival screenings offer a preview of the program planned for FANT Bilbao venues.

So far, the films Aves de corral, Decorado and Gaua have been previewed as part of PREFANT, along with a screening of Tim Burton’s Batman, which also features as the main image of this year’s festival poster.

“BAJO TUS PIES”

Synopsis: Isabel moves into a renowned building in Bilbao with her two children. Once settled, the nightly screams of three elderly women living downstairs begin to intrude on the family’s life, creating unease in what initially seemed like a peaceful home. The film will be officially released in cinemas on Friday, May 8.

Spain, 2025 Running time: 95 minutes

Director: Cristian Bernard

Cast: Maribel Verdú, Sofía Otero, Ibai Atanes, Urko Olazabal, Sandra Ferrus, Zorion Eguileor

“OUT OF FRAME”: BOOK PRESENTATIONS

On May 7 at 19:00, journalist Jaime Novo will present his book “Rowan March: El Consenso” at the Abando Civic Center. It is a dystopian thriller combining entertainment, social critique and cycling. Free admission until full capacity is reached.

On May 9 at 12:30, actor Jack Taylor will present his book “My 100 Years of Cinema. Memoirs” at the Bastida Hall in Azkuna Zentroa. The event will be introduced by Bego del Teso, with participation from Víctor Matellano. This is an essential event for fans of Jack Taylor’s cinema. At 99 years old, the actor recounts his professional career through vivid and engaging experiences.

The following day, May 10 at 12:30, Edith del Campo, Kate Lynnon and Madame Eloise will present their book “Revelaciones” at the same venue. The book is filled with stories—some surprising, others tender, some truly unsettling, and others thought-provoking. Like a tarot deck, its pages contain diverse ideas and patterns, all with personal and hidden meanings. Free admission until full capacity is reached.

“OUT OF FRAME”: CHILDREN’S SCREENINGS

During the festival, three films aimed at children aged 5 to 12 will be screened as part of the FANTESKOLA program: “Maya, Give Me a Title”, “Oink Oink”, and “Hello Frida”. Screenings will take place at the BBK Hall from May 11 to 14 at 11:00.

“Maya, Give Me a Title”

France / 2025 / 61 min

Director: Michel Gondry Animation

Synopsis: Maya and her father, filmmaker Michel Gondry, live in different countries but have created a unique way to stay connected. Each night, he asks her: “Maya, give me a title.” From this phrase, Gondry unleashes his imagination to create a short animation starring his daughter, building a poetic, playful and tender universe. This daily ritual becomes an emotional bridge between them and a celebration of family bonds and shared creativity.

“Oink Oink”

Netherlands / 2022 / 72 min

Director: Mascha Halberstad

Animation

Synopsis: When Babs turns nine, her grandfather gives her a piglet named Oink. Her parents are not amused, but she manages to keep it on the condition that she trains it like a puppy. However, many surprises await, and not everything is as it seems…

“Hello Frida”

France–Canada / 2024 / 82 min

Directors: André Kadi, Karine Vézina Animation

Synopsis: This is the story of a different kind of girl. Her world is Coyoacán, Mexico—bright, vibrant, and full of curiosity. When challenges arise, she faces them with boundless imagination. This girl is Frida Kahlo.

FANT SUPPORTS CINEMA MADE BY WOMEN

The Bilbao Fantasy Film Festival continues to support film work created by women. This is reflected in its collaboration with GIDOI, the Basque Screenwriters Association, which has launched the third edition of its Short Film Screenplay Competition for Women Authors, focused on fantasy and horror genres.

The festival will collaborate in this annual initiative, supported by (H)emen, by including an “Industry” session within the “OUT OF FRAME” section. Selected screenwriters will take part in a pitch session to present their projects to industry professionals and foster new collaborations.

This event will take place on May 6 at 19:00 in the Dome Hall of Campos Theatre. Free admission until full capacity is reached.

The competition winners will be announced during the FANT Bilbao closing gala on May 15 at 19:30 at the BBK Hall.

FANTROBIA AWARD: BRUNO MARTÍN

The festival continues to announce award recipients for the 2026 edition. Madrid-born director, screenwriter, editor and actor Bruno Martín will receive the FANTROBIA Award, recognizing emerging figures in genre cinema.

Martín developed his career in advertising and web series. As an actor, he has appeared in series such as En Fin, Patria, Acacias 38, Riders and Dos vidas. He also participated in the feature film El último tren al Rock and Roll (2021).

He works as an advertising director and teaches police thriller and weapons performance at the Central de Cine acting school, where he trained.

In 2014, he met David Sainz, creator of Malviviendo, beginning a professional collaboration in which he acted in most of Sainz’s projects and co-wrote scripts. Some of these became series, such as Mambo, Grasa and Entertainment. They also created the independent feature film Fogueo (2017).

In 2023, he produced Os reviento, directed by Kike Narcea, which won nearly 20 awards, including the Audience Award for Best Film in the Midnight X-Treme section at the Sitges Festival. In 2024, he wrote, directed, edited, produced and acted in the award-winning film Luger.

Bruno Martín is one of the major honorees of FANT’s 32nd edition, alongside director, musician and writer Eugenio Mira (Fantasy Star Award) and composer Aránzazu Calleja (Honorary FANT Award).